SOMERS POINT — The city is planning a grand celebration to mark the 250th birthday of the United States and the 140th anniversary of the city’s incorporation next Fourth of July.
Councilman Kirk Gerety said Oct. 9 that the Recreation Board had discussed joining with the Somers Point Historical Society, city and others to hold a weekend-long festival that incorporates the entire city.
“I’m going to make a motion that we go all in on this,” said Gerety, who is liaison to the Recreation Board and president of the Historical Society.
He said it was very early in the process — “I have the makings of the start of a committee, some sponsorship” — but wanted to get City Council’s approval before moving forward.
Gerety said William Morrow Beach would be the main base but events could be held at multiple sites across the city.
“We’ll develop this as we go along. We’re going to do a whole bunch of events for the entire weekend,” he said, noting he would like to hold a historical site-based scavenger hunt similar to the one held by area bars in the past.
Gerety said the event could involve the business community, where clues could be located leading those who answer all of the questions to the final location.
“We’re trying to get everybody in town to interact on something,” he said.
Broadway intersection
improvements planned
Mayor Dennis Tapp reported that he, City Council President Charlie Haberkorn and Councilman Sean McGuigan had met with Ken Wallace, owner of The Crab Trap and Pier 4 Hotel, to discuss safety concerns at the intersection of Broadway and Somers Point-Mays Landing Road.
“We’re looking to see what we can do to try to alleviate some of the traffic congestion there. It’s only going to build up. As you know, in the summertime it’s terrible trying to get out of there,” Tapp said.
The mayor said Wallace was very receptive to working together. He noted the city had received some grant money to make improvements.
“We are kicking around some different ideas. The engineer is going to come back to us and we’ll probably meet again and hopefully we’ll be able to do something to fix that problem,” Tapp said.
Art classes
continue Oct. 15
Councilman Mike Owen reported that the Somers Point Arts Commission is working in conjunction with the Noyes Museum of Art to host classes at the Senior & Community Center at 22 N. Ambler Road.
Classes are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22 and 29. The space is limited to 20 participants. Seniors are encouraged to register in advance at somersptarts@gmail.com or (609) 927-9088, ext. 105.
A Fall Leaves Collage Workshop is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25. The workshop is for adults 18 years and older. No experience necessary; supplies will be provided. The cost is $20. Register at forms.gle/z9ghxakvdy5bxhkta.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff